Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas - 4MOTION® Confidence and Family-Tech Smarts in the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas for Watsonville, CA Drivers
When a family SUV has to do it all, the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas steps up with confident traction from available 4MOTION® and thoughtful tech that keeps everyone comfortable and connected. For school-day shuttles, highway commutes, and weekend getaways from Watsonville, CA to the Sierra foothills, this three-row SUV brings a rare mix of space, composure, and cutting-edge features—without asking you to compromise on drivability. The turbocharged 2.0 TSI® engine delivers 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, so you feel that reassuring surge when merging, even with the cargo area stacked. With proper equipment, 5,000 lb towing capacity means a small camper, pair of jet skis, or a utility trailer can come along for the adventure. Inside, the standard 12-inch touchscreen, Wireless App-Connect, available Wi-Fi Hotspot, and available Harman Kardon audio help keep the cabin calm, informed, and entertained.
For coastal mist, mountain drizzle, or sandy turnouts, available 4MOTION® all-wheel drive stands out. By proactively distributing power to the axle with the most grip, it helps the Atlas pull away smoothly on slick surfaces and maintain confident stability as weather and road textures change. That capability pairs naturally with IQ.DRIVE®, which provides innovative, hands-on, semi-automated driver assistance to reduce fatigue on long stretches and everyday traffic. The result is an SUV that feels planted and relaxing to drive, especially when you have a full load of passengers and gear. Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas shows you how to configure Atlas for your lifestyle and routes—think accessory roof solutions, tow prep, and your ideal interior tech setup—so you truly make the most of its talents.
- 4MOTION® capability: Adds confidence on wet pavement, sandy shoulders, and steep driveways by actively managing wheel slip.
- Towing strength: With proper equipment, up to 5,000 lb allows you to bring a small camper, watercraft, or utility trailer.
- Everyday comfort: Spacious rows, tri-zone climate, and available panoramic sunroof keep the cabin comfortable for all.
- Connected cabin: Standard 12-inch display, Wireless App-Connect, and available Wi-Fi Hotspot support seamless digital life.
- Audio upgrade: Available Harman Kardon premium sound enhances everything from podcasts to playlists.
- Driver assistance: IQ.DRIVE® offers hands-on, semi-automated capability for stress-lightened drives.
The Atlas also shines when life gets busy. Wide-opening doors simplify school drop-off, and fold-flat seatbacks make quick work of DIY-store runs. The available hands-free liftgate is a hero feature when your arms are full of groceries or sports gear, and multiple USB-C ports keep devices charged for the ride home. On the road, Atlas feels calm and composed thanks to an independent suspension and precise steering that shrink parking maneuvers while offering reassuring stability at speed. Add the available illuminated grille and the cabin’s available ambient lighting, and you have a family SUV that looks just as premium as it feels.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the 2026 Atlas have three adult-friendly rows?
Yes. The Atlas is known for generous legroom in all three rows, plus a sliding/reclining second row to optimize space and third-row access.
What is the towing capacity?
When properly equipped, the 2026 Atlas is rated to tow up to 5,000 lb—great for small campers, jet skis, or a utility trailer.
Is 4MOTION® all-wheel drive available?
Yes. Available 4MOTION® enhances traction and stability by distributing power to the wheels with the best grip.
Which infotainment features come standard?
A 12-inch center display and Wireless App-Connect are standard, with an available Wi-Fi Hotspot for on-the-go connectivity.
What driver assistance features does IQ.DRIVE® include?
IQ.DRIVE® brings innovative, hands-on, semi-automated capability for features like distance management and active lane support to help reduce fatigue.
Where can I explore and test drive the 2026 Atlas?
Visit our showroom—serving Marina, Castroville, and Watsonville—to see configurations, compare trims, and arrange a test drive that fits your schedule. Our team at Cardinale Volkswagen Salinas will help you tailor features for your specific routes and routines.